Investigate Before You Medicate

by Marisa Broughton, MCHT, MNLP

You’d be surprised, perhaps even appalled to learn how many physical conditions are often misdiagnosed as a psychological problem. In his book, ‘A Dose of Sanity’ Dr. Sydney Walker, a neuropsychiatrist and pharmacist provides numerous examples of medical cases that were misdiagnosed as psychiatric problems. Some of the patients were lucky enough to have their conditions recognized and properly treated after suffering debilitating effects of nonessential drug therapy and hours of nonessential psychological treatment. Those who were not so lucky to get the proper help in time, died from illnesses that if caught early enough would have been treatable.

Anne Moir, a Dr. of Genetics and David Jessel wrote a fascinating book which explores the biological causes of deviant behavior. This book is revolutionary and encourages further thought into the issues of punishment and rehabilitation. It also provides keen insight and hope into those whose family members or loved ones who have fallen through the cracks of society and become offenders.

The following a just a few of the many examples provided in the book of some conditions whose symptoms masquerade as psychological problems:

ADD or ADHD is a common diagnosis for hyperactive children. The following is a list of a few of the physical conditions that produce similar symptoms:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

• Anemia

• Low Glucose Levels

• Poor Calcium Intake

• Brain Lesions

• Parasites

• Frontal Lobe Damage

• Low Serotonin

• Poor Diet

• Heart Disease

Consider the following list of Mental Disorders that share similar symptoms with Physical Disorders:

• Brain Tumor

• Lyme Disease

• Hyperthyroidism

• Lupis

• Fibromylgia

• Chronic Fatigue

• Vitamin D (toxicity)

• Hormonal Imbalance

• Alcohol Allergy

• Cryptococcosis

• Elevated Calcium Levels

• Temporal Lobe Seizure

• Allergic Reaction

• Frontal Lobe Damage

• Episodic Dyscontol

• Wilson’s Disease

• Temporal Lobe Damage

• Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS)

• Tourette Syndrome

Deficiencies and Excesses of certain Vitamins and Minerals can also be behind mental dysfunctions. Consider the following:

• Vitamin B12 (deficiency) - Linked to various psychiatric disorders.

• Iron (deficiency) - Impaired learning ability.

• Iodine (deficiency) - Abnormal fetal growth and brain development.

• Calcium (excess) - Psychosis

There are many other factors that can cause behavioral anomalies. Combining over the counter drugs, prescription drugs and certain foods and beverages can also cause psychiatric problems. Your pharmacist is a great source for this information.

References

Berkow, Robert (Editor-in-Chief), “Merck Manual of Medical Information”, (NY: Pocket books, 1997).

Moir, Anne & David Jessel, “A Mind to Crime”, (London: Signet Books, 1995).

Walker, Sydney M.D., “A Dose of Sanity”, (New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1996).

For more information, check this great resource: Crime Times